February 2024 – My Sanctuary

Happy Publication Day – 29 February 2024

A Greek Island Escape By Kate Frost

Can a Greek escape be the start of something special?

Xanthe Fox has it all: a famous, drop-dead gorgeous boyfriend, a dream career and bright future – until heartbreak sends her life into a tailspin.

So when Xanthe’s Greek godmother unexpectedly leaves her a villa on the sumptuous island of Kefalonia, Xanthe jumps at the chance to put her life in London on hold and escape to the island hideaway to rethink her future.

The break allows Xanthe the time to explore her passions, sift through her feelings and discover more about her estranged Greek family while renovating her godmother’s enchanting Villa Aster.

But not everyone is happy to see her. Unfazed by her hostile neighbours and after making a mortifying mistake with a sexy builder, Xanthe is equally charmed by Kefalonia and a handsome, brooding gardener.

Chasing dreams, taking chances and saying ‘yes’ has the potential to turn Xanthe’s life upside down once more, but will a summer escape allow her to sparkle once more?

Living the Dream at Puddleduck Farm By Della Galton

Puddleduck Vets Practice is busier than ever.
Phoebe Dashwood is juggling the usual crazy animal antics of her quirky clients, whilst organising the wedding of her bridezilla grandmother and thankfully dating her perfect man.

Phoebe loves every minute of being a New Forest vet, even if she hardly has time to catch her breath. If only she could find some quality time for her and the man of her dreams, life would be perfect.

When an ex’s heartbreak stirs up some emotions from the past, Phoebe realises she must deal with some unfinished business. It would seem a miracle is needed to pull off a happy ending for everyone – but is it within Phoebe’s power to work miracles?

The Space Between Us By Melanie Summers

Love just might be the final frontier…

S.E.T.I. researcher, Gwen Fox, is a woman on a mission—to answer the cosmic question of the ages: Are we alone?

Along with her work family, Gwen is perfectly happy spending her days listening for extraterrestrial signals— until the worst happens. They get word that they’re about to be shut down by Ty Sterling, their billionaire backer whose heart is as cold as interstellar space.

About to lose everything, Gwen has no choice but to travel to Peru to change his mind. Armed only with scientific zeal and optimism, Gwen faces off against Ty, who just might be the most stubborn, cynical man in the galaxy.

As the tension between the pair builds, so does the undeniable chemistry that neither of them saw coming. Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Peruvian jungle, the space between enemies and lovers begins to collapse.

Will Gwen and Ty discover that together they form a supernova of passion? Or will their budding relationship crash and burn on impact?

Book Review – Sunny Days On The Boardwalk By Georgina Troy

Slip on your sunglasses, Spring has sprung on the Boardwalk! When artist Jools Jones’, new man Finn Gallichan, leaves the Boardwalk to go travelling for several months she’s not too worried.
She has her paintings to keep her busy and helps her grandmother run their second hand bookshop, Boardwalk Books.
She’s happy to wait for Finn’s return, to pick up where they left off, as absence makes the heart grow fonder – right?
She’s soon drawn into helping Alan Hidrio trace a copy of a book he wrote years before and meets glass artist Marius Arnesen, who, fascinated by her paintings, offers her a place in an art exhibition.
When she begins to suspect that Finn isn’t quite the person she had hoped and Marius steps up to save someone close to her, she wonders if maybe she’s made the wrong decision…
Can Jools rely on her instincts? Or should she risk the chance of a future with Marius?

Published Date: 15 July 2023

My Review

“Sunny Days on the Boardwalk” follows Jools Jones in her island town, managing daily life and a long-distance relationship with Finn. The picturesque setting and charming elderly characters add to the appeal, while Jools’ likable nature earns readers’ support. However, the novel falls short in character depth, with love interests feeling flat and lacking tension. The delayed introduction of conflict and its low stakes disappoint, resolving too easily. Despite these drawbacks, the book provides a pleasant afternoon read with a satisfying happy ending for the main characters. While not leaving a lasting impression, “Sunny Days on the Boardwalk” offers a feel-good escape into an idyllic seaside setting.

My Rating

Happy Publication Day – 28 February 2024

Chasing a Highland Dream By Lisa Hobman

Since having to drop out of her design degree, Bella Douglas has been unlucky in just about everything life has thrown at her.

She’s lost more jobs than she cares to remember and despite her Granny Isla’s best attempts to set her up with every eligible bachelor in the Scottish Highlands and she’s still single.

Currently PA to her best friend, aka, Lady Olivia MacBain, at the 17th century Drumblair Castle, Bella is yet to find a role that sets her soul on fire. But when disaster strikes for Olivia, Bella steps into the breach to rescue her best friend from a fate worse than a bad interior designer.

When Bella and her Granny Isla find themselves homeless, they relocate to the castle where a handsome new neighbour brings mystery, intrigue and a spark of romance.

Is Bella finally on the track to find true happiness? Or do more catastrophes lie ahead? And does true love hide where you least expect it?

Review Card- Sunny Days On The Boardwalk By Georgina Troy

About The Author

Link To Purchase

Book Review – Overnight Inheritance By Rachel Bailey

A fortune isn’t the only thing she inherited… Mae Dunstan just inherited billions, along with a seductive business rival. CEO and single dad Sebastian Newport wants to buy Mae out. But when the boardroom leads to the bedroom, their passionate affair reignites a long-standing feud between their families. Amid divided loyalties and open questions, will Mae risk more than the bottom line for a future with Sebastian?

Published Date: 26 December 2023

My Review

In this eagerly anticipated book, Mae and Sebastian, hailing from different worlds and caught in a family feud, discover an undeniable spark. Mae, unexpectedly inheriting billions from the Rutherford family, battles trust issues upon meeting business partner Sebastian, a single dad working for a company entwined in a shared ownership with the Rutherfords. As Mae navigates her new life in New York, Sebastian proposes she spend a week learning the business, unaware he might lose his heart to her. Amidst a backdrop of a longstanding family feud, the story unfolds with emotional depth, sensuality, and resilience. This moving tale of love and overcoming obstacles is a must-read for romance enthusiasts, leaving readers cheering for Mae and Sebastian’s happiness.

My Rating

Review Card – Overnight Inheritance By Rachel Bailey

Overnight Inheritance by USA TODAY bestselling author Rachel Bailey A fortune isn’t the only thing she inherited… Mae Dunstan just inherited billions, along with a seductive business rival. CEO and single dad Sebastian Newport wants to buy Mae out. But when the boardroom leads to the bedroom, their passionate affair reignites a long-standing feud between their families. Amid divided loyalties and open questions, will Mae risk more than the bottom line for a future with Sebastian?

About The Author

Link To Purchase

Book Review – Miami Marriage Pact By Nadine Gonzalez

Miami Marriage Pact by Nadine Gonzalez Love has nothing to do with this proposal… Film producer Gigi Garcia needs her inheritance to save her company, but it requires a husband—fast! All she has to do is convince rising Miami chef Myles Paris to marry her. Surprised by addictive passion, Gigi and Myles face off against professional rivals, erupting scandal and an enemy’s revenge. And now an unexpected secret could take their short-term marriage merger off the table…

Published Date: 26 December 2023

My Review

In “Miami Marriage Pact” by Nadine Gonzalez, film producer Gigi Garcia faces an unusual inheritance condition: she must marry to access it. Desperate to save her business, she proposes a marriage of convenience to chef Myles Paris, aiming to solve their financial woes. Both characters are likable and altruistic, seeking the money not for personal gain but to support their struggling businesses. The story unfolds with familial opposition, meddling friends, and a potential media scandal, adding unexpected challenges. Despite being part of the Miami Famous series, this book stands alone, delivering a well-executed plot with enjoyable characters. The narrative’s focus on selfless motivations sets it apart, making “Miami Marriage Pact” a compelling and satisfying read.

My Rating

Review Card – Miami Marriage Pact By Nadine Gonzalez

About The Author

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 23 February 2024

It’s Complicated By Camilla Isley

Lori has been in love with her best friend Aiden since college. Now Aiden (handsome, fair, All-American dream doctor) is getting married, and Lori desperately needs a date to the wedding.

So she asks the best man, Jace (tall, dark, and brooding), to pretend their platonic friendship is something more not to have to face the worst day of her life alone.

Fake dating one best friend to forget the other should be easy… Plot twist—it’s not. When Jace starts acting like the sweetest, most attentive boyfriend, Lori begins to wonder if she’s been seeing him wrong all this time?

They’ve been an inseparable trio since freshman year, but now everything is changing — and that’s not even bringing Jace’s feelings into the mix.

Basically? It’s complicated.

Sizzle By Kimberly Kincaid

Sam Faurier is in deep trouble.

Which normally wouldn’t be a problem for an elite firefighter with razor-sharp instincts and cocky bravado to spare. Except this time, his impulsive decision on a call got fellow firefighter, Lucy de Costa, into hot water, too.

Did he mention that he’s had an unrequited crush on her for years? Or that she’s the battalion chief’s by-the-book daughter?

Or that the call that got them both benched was actually arson, only Sam can’t prove it without help?

Lucy de Costa doesn’t break the rules, and she sure as hell doesn’t catch feelings for other firefighters. She’s worked way too hard to make her way up the ranks for that, no matter how sexy Sam Faurier’s smile is—or how hot his determination.

He’s convinced there’s an arsonist on the loose. Trouble is, she’s the only one who believes him. And she’s going to have to throw protocol and caution out the window in order to help him prove it.

Even if she finds herself unable to resist him—and how much he wants her—in the process.

But the more they uncover, the deeper the danger becomes. To catch the arsonist, Sam and Lucy will have to rely on their wits, their training, and each other.

Before it’s too late.

Book Review – Together In Lilacwell By Sasha Morgan

Will they find their happy-ever-after in Lilacwell?

Eva needs a change. After a tragic miscarriage and breaking up with her unsupportive boyfriend, she is desperate for a new start somewhere peaceful, where she can focus on her pottery.

It is in The Cobbled Courtyard of Lilacwell that she meets the mysterious Fitz, a carpenter who similarly escaped to the tiny village a few years ago.

But can you ever really run away from your past? Eva and Fitz – two wounded souls – will need to help each other heal if they’re to find love and happiness once more.

Published Date: 3 August 2023

My Review

Eva, seeking change after a miscarriage and breakup, finds solace in the Cobbled Courtyard, where she focuses on her pottery. There, she encounters Fitz, a skilled wood carver with a mysterious past in Lilacwell. Their immediate connection hints at mutual healing as they confront their respective challenges. This charming small-town romance offers a delightful and easily digestible read, making it enjoyable from beginning to end. While it stands well on its own, delving into the other Lilacwell stories enhances the overall experience. Reading the trilogy in order is recommended for maximum enjoyment.

My Rating